From e28bgid2@cine88.cineca.it Fri Apr 8 17:57:16 EDT 1994 Article: 21435 of comp.ai Xref: glinda.oz.cs.cmu.edu comp.ai:21435 comp.ai.neural-nets:15692 comp.ai.fuzzy:2068 Path: honeydew.srv.cs.cmu.edu!bb3.andrew.cmu.edu!news.sei.cmu.edu!cis.ohio-state.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!zaphod.crihan.fr!jussieu.fr!univ-lyon1.fr!ghost.dsi.unimi.it!37.1!e28bgid2 From: e28bgid2@cine88.cineca.it Newsgroups: comp.ai,comp.ai.neural-nets,comp.ai.fuzzy Subject: CFP: Knowledge Support Systems in Civil Engineering Message-ID: <1994Mar30.120637.532@cine88.cineca.it> Date: 30 Mar 94 12:06:37 +0100 Organization: ISMES SpA, Bergamo, Italy Lines: 325 International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) Preliminary Invitation and Call for Papers C o l l o q u i u m Knowledge Support Systems in Civil Engineering Bergamo, Italy March 16-17, 1995 Organised by Working commission 6 of IABSE and the Italian Group of IABSE With the support of ISMES Introduction Every civil engineer now agrees that the use of computers in practice and in research will increase steadily in the foreseeable future. This trend presents both opportunities and risks. As more and more information is processed by computers, civil engineers need effective tools for interacting with this information and for supporting their knowledge. Activities related to the exploitation of artificial intelligence results within the field of civil engineering are increasing. Indeed, some knowledge-based systems are already in use. The development of a good application is difficult; it requires careful modelling, flexible methods and understandable interfaces. Nevertheless, such development is essential for demonstrating the potential of advanced computer technology. Furthermore, experiences gained from good applications stimulate subsequent research activities. New approaches which are relevant to civil engineering tasks are emerging from fields such as qualitative modelling, machine learning, case-based reasoning, computational modelling of creative design, neural networks and non-monotonic logic. Demonstrating the usefulness of such approaches provides a framework for applications that will be implemented in the next decade. Many methods show great potential for supporting the knowledge of civil engineers. Objectives The principal objective of this Colloquium is to bring together researchers and practitioners from industry, universities, professional practice and research centres in order to exchange views on knowledge support for civil engineers. Also, this meeting will increase understanding of the importance of the relationship between artificial intelligence and civil engineering research and practice. A special emphasis will be placed on user's assessment of implemented knowledge support systems and their penetration into practice. It is expected that this will lead to higher quality research and better implementations of current technology. Participants The Colloquium is intended for a limited number of participants. Consulting engineers, those in industry, researchers and educators are welcome to submit papers on themes mentioned in the summary of the technical programme. Those who do not wish to present a paper are very welcome to attend and participate in the discussions. Technical Programme The technical programme will offer four plenary sessions: 1. Knowledge support for structural design and construction 2. Applications related to evaluation, repair and monitoring 3. Standards processing, code-related support and applications in non structural areas of civil engineering 4. Artificial intelligence technology in civil engineering as well as a Panel Discussion. Session 1: Knowledge support for structural design and construction Structural design and construction activities include knowledge intensive tasks that are carried out under conditions of incomplete and contradictory information. Much knowledge has never been formalised. Structures are difficult to model and decision making processes do not correspond to traditional inference technology. This session will include papers on topics such as intelligent design systems, case-based design, collaborative design, estimating, construction engineering and management. Session 2: Applications related to evaluation, repair and monitoring This session deals with the applications of artificial intelligence research to managing structures in service. As the inventory of structures ages and as fewer resources exist to replace them, the need for performant systems for structural management is increasing in many countries. Topics are evaluation of structures (damage assessment, rating and risk analysis), structural repair and monitoring of structures. Session 3: Standards processing, code-related support and application in non structural areas of civil engineering This session will include developments in standards processing, applications linked to codes and research work in other areas, such as in situ and laboratory testing of soils and rocks, hydrogeological and environmental engineering. Session 4: Artificial intelligence technology in civil engineering The session covers issues related to interactions between artificial intelligence and needs for knowledge support in civil engineering. The following topics are significant: - modelling different types of knowledge - non-monotonic reasoning - integration of several reasoning methods - combination of knowledge systems with other software technologies - machine learning - neural networks. Creation of systems that include artificial intelligence technology requires special attention to development processes, methods and tools. Use of modern techniques in software engineering is essential. The following topics in this field may be considered: knowledge elicitation, modelling techniques and related support tools, requirements analysis, life cycle of knowledge systems, project management, validation and quality control, maintenance and evolution. Panel discussion: The impact of artificial intelligence on civil engineering: current and future prospects. Call for Papers Participants are invited to submit a contribution to any of the sessions. Two types of contribution are possible: - Full paper - max 10 pages - Short paper - max 4 pages. No abstract is required; the selection of papers, made by the Scientific Committee, will be based on these contributions. The contribution should be typewritten in English. Four copies of the paper must be delivered before May 31, 1994 to the Chairman of the Scientific Committee: Ian F.C. Smith Chairman S.C. - IABSE Colloquium, Bergamo-1995 LIA-DI EPFL CH - 1015 Lausanne Switzerland Tel.: +41-21-693 5242 Fax : +41-21-693 5225 The following information must be given on the first sheet: - IABSE Colloquium, Bergamo 1995 - Name and full address of the author - Session's title - Title of paper (maximum 60 characters) - A ten line summary of the article in English, French and German. Begin the text on the second sheet with the title followed by the summary and the main text. Authors will be informed by September 30, 1994 regarding acceptance. Additional information will then be given for formatting the paper. The final paper must be delivered before November 25, 1994 to the Chairman of the Scientific Committee. If the paper is accepted for presentation, authors will be expected to present personally their contribution at the Colloquium. No financial support is available and every participant must pay the registration fee. Publication The Colloquium Report will contain the papers accepted for publication and presentation by the Scientific Committee. The Report will be given to participants at the beginning of the Colloquium. Language The official language of the Colloquium is English. Written and oral contributions will be accepted in the official language only. General Information Date and Place The Colloquium will take place from Thursday to Friday, March 16-17, 1995 at the ISMES Conference Hall in Seriate, 9 km from Bergamo, Italy. Hotel accommodation will be available in Bergamo. Bus transportation will be provided for participants. Milano-Linate International Airport is 50 km away from Bergamo. Direct bus service, especially organised for the participants, will be available. Computer Demonstrations Facilities will be made available for computer demonstrations. Requirements should be indicated to the Organising Committee, which will confirm arrangements, depending on the availability of required equipment. Short Course A short course on "Introduction to Knowledge Support Systems in Civil Engineering" will be conducted in Bergamo on March 14 and 15, 1995 for the benefit of those having a basic background but interested in furthering their knowledge in this field. Social Programme A Cocktail Reception on March 15 (evening) and a Colloquium Dinner on March 16 will be held. General Programme In addition to the colloquium technical programme and short course, a programme for accompanying persons will be proposed. More information will be given in the Final Invitation. Pre-Registration Those interested in participating in the Colloquium or in receiving the Final Invitation, that will be mailed in November, 1994, are invited to contact ISMES at the following address: ISMES Secretariat-Organising Committee IABSE Colloquium 1995 V.le Giulio Cesare, 29 I-24124 Bergamo BG Italy Fax: +39-35-21 11 91 e-mail e28bgid2@cine88.cineca.it Scientific Committee I. Smith, Switzerland (Chairman) T. Arciszewski, USA P. Christiansson, Sweden S. Fenves, USA J. Garrett, USA J. Gero, Australia D. Grierson, Canada D. Hartmann, Germany P. Kuiper, The Netherlands B. Kumar, U.K. X. Liu, China M. Maher, Australia C. Moore, U.K. A. Peano, Italy K. Roddis, USA P. Salvaneschi, Italy R. Scherer, Germany G. Schmitt, Switzerland A. Wada, Japan K. Zreik, France Organising Committee R. Riccioni, Chairman A. Lomi, Secretary L. Finzi G. Mazza' E. Ronzoni G. Ruggeri C. Urbano Further information ISMES Secretariat-Organising Committee IABSE Colloquium 1995 V.le Giulio Cesare, 29 I-24124 BERGAMO BG Italy Tel.: +39-35-30 77 40 Fax : +39-35-21 11 91 IABSE Secretariat ETH-Hoenggerberg CH-8093 ZURICH Switzerland Tel.: +41-1-633 26 47 Fax : +41-1-371 21 31